- Nigerian artists like Chike, Tiwa Savage, and Falz demonstrate remarkable versatility, seamlessly transitioning between music and acting.
- These entertainers have significantly enriched Nollywood, bringing authenticity, star power, and diverse talents to films.
- The success of these artists underscores the strong connection between Nigeria’s music and movie industries.
Nigerian entertainers are renowned for their exceptional versatility, seamlessly blending talents across music and acting to create a dynamic presence in the entertainment world.
This ability to excel in multiple artistic domains has become a defining trait of Nigeria’s creative industry, where performers effortlessly transition from crafting hit songs to delivering memorable performances on screen.
Nigerian artists features in Nollywood movies. Photo Credit: @officialchike/@tiwasavageSource: Instagram
From the soulful strains of Afrobeats to the dramatic intensity of Nollywood films, these artists captivate audiences with their multifaceted skills.
The Nigerian entertainment industry, encompassing a thriving music scene and the prolific Nollywood, has produced a wealth of stars who move fluidly between the recording studio and the movie set.
These individuals dominate the airwaves with chart-topping tracks—spanning genres like hip-hop, R&B, and Indigenous styles—while leaving an indelible mark on cinema with roles that showcase their range and authenticity.
Their dual success amplifies their personal brands and strengthens the cultural and commercial synergy between Nigeria’s music and film sectors, drawing global attention through platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime.
This crossover phenomenon reflects both adaptability and ambition, as many entertainers leverage their musical fame to enhance their acting careers, often bringing built-in fanbases and charisma to the screen. Whether embodying characters that echo their lyrical personas or exploring new creative territory, these artists enrich Nollywood’s storytelling and box-office appeal.
As the appetite for African content grows worldwide, their ability to merge melody with motion pictures positions them as icons of versatility, bridging generational and geographic divides while celebrating Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage.
TheTalk.NG compiled a list of Nigerian artists who starred in Nollywood movies below:
1. Chike (Gangs of Lagos)
Born on January 28, 1993, Chike is a gifted singer-songwriter known for soulful hits like Running (To You) and Roju.
He gained widespread recognition after finishing as a finalist on The Voice Nigeria and has since become a leading figure in the new wave of Afropop and R&B.
Chike made his Nollywood debut in Gangs of Lagos (2023), directed by Jade Osiberu. He played a key role in the Amazon Prime original, a gritty action-thriller set in Lagos, showcasing his acting potential alongside Nollywood heavyweights. His performance received praise, proving his versatility beyond music.
2. Tiwa Savage (MTV Shuga, Water & Garri)
Born on February 5, 1980, in Isale Eko, Lagos, Tiwa Savage is a celebrated singer-songwriter dubbed the “Queen of Afrobeats.” She rose to fame with tracks like Kele Kele Love and All Over.
Tiwa ventured into acting with a role in the 2013 season of MTV’s Shuga, a drama series addressing social issues, where she played a club owner. She also appeared in an episode of Jenifa’s Diary, Funke Akindele’s hit comedy series.
In 2024, she took a lead role in Water & Garri, a film she co-produced, and directed by Meji Alabi, showcasing her acting chops alongside her musical performance.
Tiwa’s transition into acting highlights her versatility, with Water & Garri marking a bold step as both actress and producer.
3. Falz (Marry Me, Brotherhood)
Born on October 27, 1990, in Lagos, Falz is a rapper, singer, and actor known for his unique blend of hip-hop and comedy.
The son of renowned lawyer Femi Falana, he gained fame with songs like Marry Me. Falz began acting with a recurring role as Segun in Jenifa’s Diary, earning an Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Award (AMVCA) for Best Actor in a Comedy.
He has since starred in major Nollywood films, including Merry Men: The Real Yoruba Demons (2018), Chief Daddy (2018), New Money (2018), Quam’s Money (2020), and Brotherhood (2022).
His performances often blend humour with dramatic flair. Falz’s seamless shift between music and acting has made him one of Nigeria’s most bankable multi-talents, with his films grossing millions at the box office.
4. Reminisce (King of Boys)
Born on January 26, 1981, in Kaduna, Reminisce is a veteran rapper and actor known for his indigenous Yoruba rap style.
Hits like Kako Bi Chicken and Tesojue have cemented his status in Nigerian music. Reminisce debuted in Nollywood with a standout role as Makanaki, a menacing gangster, in Kemi Adetiba’s 2018 political thriller King of Boys.
His authentic portrayal earned praise and showcased his acting potential. He reprised the role in the 2021 sequel, King of Boys: The Return of the King. Reminisce’s gritty performances have added depth to Nollywood’s crime genre, proving his street credibility translates well to film.
5. Banky W (The Wedding Party 2, Up North)
Born on March 27, 1981, in New York and raised in Lagos, Banky W is an R&B singer and entrepreneur known for songs like Strong Thing and Yes/No.
He’s a pioneer of modern Nigerian music. Banky W entered acting with a lead role in The Wedding Party (2016), playing Dozie alongside his real-life wife, Adesua Etomi.
He reprised the role in The Wedding Party 2 (2017). He also starred in Up North (2018) and Sugar Rush (2019), showcasing his romantic and dramatic sides.
Banky W’s charm and on-screen chemistry have made him a Nollywood favourite, bridging his music fanbase with moviegoers.
6. Phyno (Lionheart)
Born on October 9, 1986, in Enugu, Phyno is a rapper and producer famous for his Igbo-language rap hits like Ghost Mode and Fada Fada.
He’s a key figure in Eastern Nigeria’s music scene. Phyno debuted in Genevieve Nnaji’s 2018 film Lionheart, playing the brother of the lead character, Adaeze.
The film, Netflix’s first Nigerian original, highlighted his natural acting ability in a family drama setting. Phyno’s role in Lionheart brought authenticity to the film’s Igbo cultural narrative, expanding his influence into cinema.
7. Illbliss (King of Boys)
Born on December 30, 1979, in Enugu, Illbliss is a rapper and music executive known as “Oga Boss.” His hits include Ayepo and Powerful. Illbliss debuted as Odogwu Malay, a cunning businessman, in King of Boys (2018), directed by Kemi Adetiba.
He reprised the role in the 2021 sequel, delivering a compelling performance alongside Nollywood heavyweights.
Illbliss’s commanding presence has enriched Nollywood’s storytelling, particularly in the crime and political thriller genres.
8. Ladipoe (Christmas in Lagos)
Born on April 29, 1992, Ladipoe is a rapper and lyricist known for his intricate wordplay and hits like Feeling and Big Energy.
He is one of Nigeria’s leading hip-hop artists under Mavin Records. Ladipoe made his Nollywood debut in Christmas in Lagos (2023), a festive romantic drama directed by James Amuta.
His role added a fresh and contemporary feel to the holiday film, and his smooth on-screen presence showed his potential as an actor.
9. Waje (Tunnel, She Is)
Born on September 1, 1980, in Akure, Waje is a soulful singer known for her powerful voice in songs like I Wish and Coco Baby. She’s a respected figure in Nigerian music.
Waje debuted in the 2014 drama Tunnel, directed by Stanlee Ohikhuare. She co-produced and starred in She Is (2019) with Omawumi and appeared in Fifty (2015) and Heaven’s Hell (2015), showcasing her emotional range.
Waje’s acting complements her musical storytelling, adding depth to Nollywood’s dramatic offerings.
10. King Sunny Ade (The Wedding Party)
Born on September 22, 1946, in Osogbo, King Sunny Ade is a juju music legend with a career spanning decades. Hits like Merciful God have made him an icon.
King Sunny Ade appeared in The Wedding Party (2016), playing himself in a musical cameo that elevated the film’s cultural resonance.
His presence added a nostalgic touch to the blockbuster. As a veteran, his film appearance bridges generational gaps, celebrating Nigeria’s musical heritage on screen.
Nigerian-American actors in Hollywood
Recall TheTalk.NG reported on January 15, 2019, about the rise of Nigerian-American actors and actresses who have made significant marks in Hollywood, proudly embracing their Nigerian heritage.
Nigerian artists who turned actors in Nollywood movies. Photo Credit: @officialchike/@tiwasavageSource: Instagram
The article highlights stars like Forest Whitaker, known for his Oscar-winning role in “The Last King of Scotland,” and Danny Glover, recognized for films like “Lethal Weapon,” both of whom trace their ancestry to Nigeria and frequently visit their homeland.
Other notable figures include Uzo Aduba, celebrated for “Orange Is the New Black,” and Rotimi, who has shone in “Power,” showcasing the diverse talents of Nigerian descent thriving in the American entertainment industry.
Source: TheTalk.NG
